Overall Rating
5 out of 5

Based on the Speed Triple launched at the beginning of 2011, this high-spec R version has Ohlins suspension, lightweight wheels, Brembo monobloc brakes, cosmetic changes, a brand new gearbox and a 2kg reduction in weight. It’s added a dynamic new dimension to the hugely popular Speed Triple, turning Triumph’s feisty street-fighter into to a hugely competent trackday tool.

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5

The Speed Triple R has new Ohlins NIX fully-adjustable forks and a TTX rear shock, which gives excellent ride quality and loads of feedback and confidence in the corners. Small changes to the damping settings make a noticeable difference to the ride and handling, which you don’t get on cheaper equipment. New forged aluminium wheels are 20% lighter than cast items, reduce inertia and help the Triumph turn and stop better. New Brembo radial monobloc calipers are race-grade and offer a 5% improvement in braking, according to Triumph.

Engine
4 out of 5

The Speed Triple R has the same 133bhp, 1050cc, inline-three cylinder engine as the standard model, but uses a new-design gearbox, which will feature on the next generation of Triumph’s 1050cc triple engines. 10 of the 12 gears have been redesigned with new shafts, selector drums and selector shafts. There are now five, instead of four dogs on each new gear and the new shape and material offer a claimed increase in strength over the old design. Shaft spines are new and are formed instead of cut, reducing friction. The 6th gear ratio is now 3.4% lower.The motor has loads of grunt, the power delivery is linear and easy to use and there’s enough oomph to easily see the naughty side of 150mph. On-track, the fuelling mid-corner at low speeds is a little snatchy.

Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5

The quality of the new chassis parts is unquestionable and according to reader-feedback in www.motorcyclenews.com’s Bike Review section on the standard Speed Triple of this generation, there are no reported reliability or build quality problems.

Insurance, running costs & value
4 out of 5

If you want a bike that can genuinely put a smile on your face, road and track, it’s worth the extra cash over the standard model. With its designer labels, it’s now as sexy as any piece of Italian exotica and all the ‘R’ parts alone would tot-up to nearly double the £2500 premium, if you bought them separately – that’s before fitting and figuring out how to set-up the suspension.

It’s cheaper than the Ducati Streetfighter, MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR and the Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC with all the electronics, but more than the Super Duke R and the non-APRC Tuono.

But, if you’re only going to ride the Speed Triple on the road, it’s probably not worth it, like, if we’re honest with ourselves, most special-edition R and SP model super nakeds and superbikes from any manufacturer. The Triumph looks the part, handles and stops brilliantly and has better ride quality, but you only really get these benefits flat-out on-track. The rest of the time, the standard version is more than good enough.

Equipment
4 out of 5

You don’t get any form electronic of rider aids, but the power delivery and chassis is so good, you don’t need them. Triumph offers a switchable ABS version for an extra £600. This R model also has a one-piece handlebar riser cap, carbon fibre radiator cowls and tank cover infil and mudguard pods, made by same company who produce carbon fibre parts for the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. It also has a red painted subframe and accents on the wheels, brake calipers and side panels and black-painted handlebars with an ‘R’ graphic.

As has been reported elsewhere, the R does have quite a hard ride, but with patience and infinite Ohlins adjustments, you can get it just right for commuting, touring, scratching etc.. Brakes are amongst the best.

Engine

5 out of 5

Torque just gets better and better every model - engine built for us real world bikers. Sounds brilliant. You don't really notice too much difference between the 5 ride modes - apart from between 'Rain' and 'Sport'. I generally leave it in Sport all the time anyway.

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

There are indeed more extreme nakeds, but nothing beats the speedy on overall package, quality and reliability. The only issue I have had over the years with my Speed Triples, is that two of them have got stolen soon after purchase - one from home, one from the city!

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

Only had this one for 8 mths, with a free 1st service - but never really been a noticeable noose around the Speedies neck whatever the year. It is what it is - you look after your speedy and it will certainly look after you.

I am on my 3rd dealer and based on this last experience, could be a keeper. Sean @ Jack Lilleys of Romford. I probably paid a liitlle over the top, given the new 2018 RS model was just around the corner - but no complaints.

5 out of 5

Best company purchase

05 June 2018
by
Jason

Year :
2016

Annual servicing cost :
£130

Excellent build quality and detail stands out from the norm.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

Stops on a penny! Brilliant, super-corsas are great in the summer.

Engine

5 out of 5

Great torque and has the brill Triumph whirl!

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Had ceramic coating added which makes it look like new all the time.

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

Not massively fuel efficient but average for the engine size.

Equipment

5 out of 5

The R comes with all the extras, very smart. I added the wind shield which fits very well and doesn't look out of place gives it a good touch! just helps the buffeting when tucked down.

Buying experience

Bought the bike through my ltd company as it is genuinely classed as equipment with HMRC :)
The main dealer was on time and gave a good deal, Laguna Maidstone.

5 out of 5

Perfect all rounder

18 August 2016
by
Keith

Year :
2014

Perfect all rounder whether performing or pottering about. Jack of all trades master of some!

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Runs with best of Italian exotica, German reliability and British quality/ kudos.

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

5 out of 5

-

Buying experience

December 2015 - Dealer £9950 used with 600 miles on clock.

5 out of 5

Triumph speed triple r

21 March 2016
by
Hawkslayers

Version :
Speed triple r

Year :
2016

Annual servicing cost :
£300

awesome fun I waited 4 months from ordering to delivery but it was worth the wait I'm honestly shocked but in a good way about the finish and fit of all the components it's like a high end European bike but better it make you feel as if your riding something truly special, balance is just about perfect filtering through traffic is easy mode I can't see me changing it in the future I think it's going to be a keeper for many years let's hope as its a new model reliability is top notch like the older model.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

Perfect but slightly less powerful than the BMW S1000R I owned, ride on firm side, seat very comfy

Engine

5 out of 5

Having had a BMW S1000R, Hyabusa, Ktm 1190 it maybe down on paper slightly but in the real world it's such a pleasure to ride, response and fueling is perfect it's a keeper for sure

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Better finish and fit than any bike I have owned it the last few year

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

Quick shifter

Equipment

4 out of 5

Tyres grippy, suspension ohlins firm I need to get them setup correctly

Buying experience

Dealer

5 out of 5

A bike that you want to get old with

12 July 2015
by
Danichafa

Version :
R

Year :
2014

Annual servicing cost :
£300

It´s just an amazing bike!

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

I don´t use it too much in the city but feels good when i do, i enjoy it much more when we go out on weekends, a trip trough a twisty road 400kms away was perfect, the brakes and specially the suspension it´s amazing! I ride a Street Triple R before and the difference it´s huge.

Engine

5 out of 5

The power delivery is linear, goes up really fast from low range of rpm to the top and feels the power at any gear. Sounds a little bit "fat" in comparison to the Street Triple.

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

I´ve been riding almost a year ago and the only thing that i need to do is just ride it, the 1050 engine it´s amazing

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

The dealer recommends each service at 5000kms instead of 10000kms according to the manual due the poor quality of our fuel. Each service costs around USD200 that is almost the same with Ducati´s or BMW´s

Equipment

4 out of 5

The bike comes with Pirelli SP but i don´t feel comfortable at all with track tires, so we put it Michelin´s Pilot Road 4 and feels great and lasts a lot. I miss a lot the gear indicator on the dashboard that came with the Street Triple. The carbon fiber parts look amazing, everyone asks if the bike comes that way.